The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1887-10-06

MR.. RECONSIDERATION.
Mr.. Emory Ford was 4 man whose
striking appearance was i subject of
general remark, and it must be con-
tossed that the distinction was justi
fed by fine figure, and elegant car
riage, a handsome brown beard, and
dark, expressive eyes. To bs sure, he
had a naughty bearing, and a too evi.
dent consciousness OF generally ire.
proachable make up; but at thirty
years OF age he had been successful IN
his undertakings, stood we'll in bust
| ness and society, and was blessed
with wife who was bright.good look
ine.sensible and true. Who shall say,
then. that he was not justified in a
certain amount of self graduation?
But most men have their weak
points, and Mr.. Ford came under the
general rule. His vulnerable spot was
that which is most easily stormed by
a pretty face, and he was possessed OF
| the sincere conviction that no WON.
an could successfully resist his arts
| of fascination whenever he chose to
bring them into play. If Mrs. Emory
| Ford ever experienced moments OF
uneasiness on account of this folble
| of her husbands, she made no sign
thereof; while Mr.. Ford dattered him.
self that his discretion and fact were
ample to deceive even the most pene-
tratlng eyes, besides laboring under the
conviction il; a. general way that he
could do no wrong,
| On a certain August day Mr.. Ford
was in his Office talking with O. bust
ness visitor on an important subject.
"Then you think my presence is re-
quired on Saturday." he said.
'Ies," replied the visitor. 'That
alone will suit the convenience OF the
other parties. If you cannot meet
them Saturday, the whole transac-
ton will fall through"
Mr.. Ford unused. II had arranged
to 60 to Vernon on Friday and spend
two day. Ny wife is there, visiting
an old schoolmate vino was married
about the time We were and prom
ised to join them."
Business before pleasure, you
know" remarked his companion.
ayes. cert ain]y. Well, I will make
my appointment with you for Satur-
day and change my other Plans"
Later in the day lit was Wednes-
day. Mr.. Ford wrote the following
telegram to his wife:
"Will be with you tomorrow Thurs.
day. instead OF Friday.-E. F."
And so the next morning Mr.. Ford
was on the train flying in the direc-
ton OF Vernon. A ride of eighty
miles through pleasant stretch Of
country was before him. He scanned
the occupants OF the car critically,
bestcwing on one very pretty woman
a glance of federation which might
have developed into one OF approval
had che not been encountered with O.
four year old child.
He settled himself into seat with
| every appearance of comfort and self
satisfaction, bought morning paper
and began to scan the news.
"Tickets!"
| Mr.. Ford, in response to this call
from the conductor, produced his tick
ct, and at the same time drew from
his pocket a folded slip of paper. He
examined it and uttered an exclama-
| ton OF dismay. 1t was the telegram
,, for his wife, which he had forgotten
| to send.
"What a piece Of carelessness!" was
his inward thought. Mr.. Ford was q
methodical man, and he was more
vexed at his own forgetfulness than
anything else. But after all no par.
| ticular harm was done, and he turned
his attention a few minutes later to q
crowd OF passengers who boarded the
train at the station.
An artistic bonnet, pair of perfect.
| ly developed shoulders, enveloped in
some closely fitting summer material,
and a remarkably handsome face
soon caught his attention. He eagerly
watched the approaching form, just
visible between the shoulders of a
| crowd Of passengers coming up the
! aisle. He had managed to keep an en-
tire seat to himself, and now quietly
, ignored all suggestive chances at the
satchel by his side until the woman
VINO attracted his attention drew
hear.
''Will you accept this seat?" he said,
with some eagerness. at the same
time removing the satchel and rising
to his feet.
'"Thank You."
"Allow me-" and Mr.. Ford re-
LEVIED her of two or three small pack
ages without ceremony, and deposit
ed them in the rack above. "Perhaps
! you would prefer to sit next the win.
dow-there is such a. refreshing breeze,
anu the scenery is quite picturesque"
The lady took the place designated
with a pleasant smile, which Mr.. Ford
returned with interest. This in turn
excited a mirthf i twitching at the
corners of his companions mouth,
which was. however, quickly suppress
ed. She bestowed one full glance up
on Mr.. Ford's face, and then with
drew her gaze.
Mr.. Ford Immediately began to ex-
EFT his conversational powers. which
were considerable, and his remarks
were received with a polite composure
that was half facinating, and half vex.
atious. This spurred him on, and he
introduced a variety OF topics calcu.
lated to excite in interest. Then he
bccame iuquisitive. and ascertained
that his fair companion lived in Yer
non, his own place of destination.
II am somewhat acquainted there.
Do you know the Sutherlands?"
ooh, yes; quite WE'LL" was the reply
with something Of a start.
This was the married name of the
old schoolmate whom Mr.. Fords wife
was visiting, but whom he had never
seen.
"They are quite elegant people, be-
lieve," was the next remark.
ooh, they live in good style, though
rather quietly"
Mr.. Sutherland, I understand, is
connected with western railway
which demands large share of his
attention."